lately i have noticed a huge diffrence in mpg and am only getting like 260 miles to a tank. Also when i accelarate i feel a slight hesitation and then its normal again. I think this could be a fuel filter.. but has anyone experienced these symptoms and what did you do to solve it.. thanks

 

I had a slight hesitation in my 88 Camry, and replacing the fuel filter helped a bit (later it was a complete tune-up). Filters clog eventually, so they do require replacing.

tan

 

Fine, I see how it is. Ryan doesnt trust my diagnosis of his problem. One of these days he'll wise up and see that I am the MAXIMA GURU!



I need to go to bed...

 

had the same trouble

 

Does the heater work? I know it sounds strange but if the thermostat fails in the open position, the engine never reaches operating temperature and the computer thinks you just started it; so it dumps a lot of fuel through the injectors.

When was the last time you replaced your air filter? I would doubt it was your fuel filter; you are obviously getting more than enough gas to the engine.

 

but im going to put the factory intake back on the car this weekend and see if that does anyhting..it might be the injectors too... btw im now on 200 miles to this tank and only have a 1/4 of a tank left.. can you believe that?

 

Did your mileage go to hell right after you recharged the filter? If so, it's very possible that you used too much oil. That will make it act like a dirty filter.

When was the last time you changed the plugs? I would also check for dragging brakes, low tire air pressure, bad wheel bearing, heavy right foot, etc.

 

and the heavy right foot is not it.. cause after the last tank i have stopped "playing" with my car.. but over oiling the fiter i could have done..it was my first time oiling a intake and i might have used too much.. that would cause gas mileage to go down though?... huh..the air pressure is fine. Well ill change to the factory air box...with a diffrent less oiled filter (i think im going with the poormans cai, i want a quite car again) and see if that fixes it again.
thanks though... what you said is helpful

 

1. All gas is not the same. Actually brands of gas, time of year, and the gas station all can cause variation in mpg.
A one time or two time low gas miledge is not to be concerned. Was the two consecutive poor gas miledge from the same gas station? Switch brands and switch stations to see if it helps. I personally use chevron 93.

2. Over oiled filter will slow down air passage, which will reduce throttle responce. Notice any difference? It should not lower gas miledge though unless the filter is severly clogged.

3. Like sinewave said, stuck themo can cause heavy fuel dumping. Even if it was temporary, it can foul the plugs and cause poor idel. Car running right? No studder or stalling, right?

4. Low tire pressure can be a cause, if tires are really low. We do have cold temp right now, check it to be sure.

5. Do you let car warm up for a long time in morning? I do and it takes quit a bit more gas than you think because the motor warms much slower compare to if you just drive it right away.

6. Lastly the cat. Your car has high miles? If 100k plus, it is poss that the cat is clogged. Although not likely until 150 to 200K. Good excuse to get random cat anyway!

thats all I got, hope that helps.
See you around.
Ming

 

Also, if the mileage is bad, and the car is noticeably weaker, then most likely you'll need new wires.

tan

 

I assume you mean spark plug wires. Maximas dont really have spark plug wires. There are tiny ones from the coil on plug units, but they are not easily replaceable. I think the whole coil unit needs to be replaced to do it.